Adults

Individuals with ADHD often report being very sensitive to all sorts of stimuli in the environment, especially noise. They can experience large swings of over-stimulation followed by periods of emotional and physical depletion. Research is now beginning to uncover the source of this phenomenon and suggest how it can be controlled and harnessed for positive effect.

Returning veterans who are attending college face many challenges and stresses that most students do not. Evidence is beginning to mount that the level of transition support for student veterans can make a big difference in whether or not they graduate. But many colleges and universities are not prepared to help student veterans with learning challenges brought on by PTSD and other factors. Research indicates that executive function coaching may provide the solution.

More adults in their 40s, 50s and 60s are being diagnosed with ADHD. They have experienced the symptoms of ADHD for years without understanding the cause. The understanding that comes from such a diagnosis can have positive, life changing effects. However, getting an ADHD diagnosis as an adult can be difficult because the normal aging process mimics some of the symptoms of the condition.

Often, people with ADHD are also highly sensitive to environmental stimuli. They may have a disproportionate reaction to sounds, smells, tactile sensations or certain visual stimuli. There are many benefits to high sensitivity, but the extra sensory load that accompanies this trait can be overwhelming if it is not understood and managed.

We all need an Executive Function Coach, but not because we have a disorder. We need an Executive Function Coach because facing the challenges of life competently requires us to continue to develop our decision-making repertoire. Everyone is working on one or more executive functioning skills. But no tutor can teach them. Teaching is not the delivery system for these skills; coaching is.

The divorce rate is nearly twice as high for people with ADHD, (which affects roughly 4 percent of adults), as it is for other couples. The symptoms of the ADHD partner can result in misunderstandings that, left unresolved, can lead to trouble in a marriage. There are some basic strategies you can take to strengthen your relationship when ADHD is making it difficult.

Recent research studies have begun to show the usefulness of mindfulness meditation in treating the symptoms of ADHD, especially in adults. A daily practice of mindfulness meditation can help with attention, reduce stress, improve mood and enhance aspects of executive functioning, and may contribute to better emotion regulation.

Much of what we hear about ADHD and ADD has to do with its negative impacts – the affected individual’s difficulty focusing, paying attention, or controlling impulses. However, being diagnosed with ADHD does not have to be bad news. Each symptom has both a negative and a positive aspect. Identifying and using these “mirror traits” can help you reach your full potential.

For adults with ADHD, listening can be a challenge. Inattention and being easily distracted are two of the symptoms of ADHD that make focusing on a conversation or a lecture doubly difficult. Simple strategies, combined with practice and greater awareness, can help you improve your listening skills.

While many celebrities are reticent to talk about their learning challenges, Ty Pennington has been vocal about his ADHD diagnosis. He is proof that no matter how strong the symptoms of ADHD might be, they can be harnessed into a creative and fulfilling career.

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College Success Guide

College is a critical time for students with ADHD. Simply striving to be organized and motivated isn’t the solution to college success. Finding new strategies that work with ADHD strengths is the key. ADHD and College Success includes tips and strategies you can start using today!

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